British EmbassyBeijing

We are one of Britain's largest overseas embassies. We promote UK interests through a strong, effective relationship with China.

The Embassy is a platform for all of the UK government’s interests in China. Our work covers a diverse range of issues, from bolstering global security to increasing mutual economic prosperity, from establishing stronger people-to-people ties to supporting British nationals in China.

Emergency travel documents

An emergency travel document enables British nationals abroad whose passport is lost/stolen or unavailable because it is being renewed or has been sent for visa application, to make a single or return journey to the UK or another country of residence, via a maximum of five transit countries.

Registering a birth or death

List of lawyers and interpreters

Lists of English speaking lawyers, translators and interpreters who may be able to provide you with legal services and official translations in China. Please note that inclusion in this list does not constitute official endorsement by the British Embassy or the UK government.

List of hospitals

List of funeral directors

A list of funeral directors who may be able to assist in international repatriation, and funeral services in China. Please note that inclusion in this list does not constitute official endorsement by the British Embassy or the UK government.

Travel advice for China

Travel advice for China: Information, news and updates to ensure you stay safe, avoid problems, and make informed decisions when living or travelling in China.

Guides we produce

We also produce guides for British nationals who need information about services that are not provided by our Consulates, but that you may find useful in specific circumstances.

Living in China - a general set of information and links for British nationals who reside in China

Marriage in China - including details of who you need to talk to and what documents you may require

Adoption in China - including details of who you need to talk to and what documents you may require

Commercial Disputes

Prisoners

China – Prisoner Pack - this guide aims to explain the legal and prison system to British Nationals who are imprisoned. You can also read about how to apply for a transfer back to a UK prison.

How else we can help

In addition to the services listed above we can also:

provide information about transferring funds

provide appropriate help if you have suffered rape or serious assault, are a victim of other crime, or are in hospital

help people with mental illness

do all we properly can to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been detained

offer support and help in a range of other cases, such as child abductions, death of relatives overseas, missing people and kidnapping

contact family or friends for you if you want

make special arrangements in cases of terrorism, civil disturbances or natural disasters

UK law says we have to charge for some services. Details of our current fees and the standards of service you can expect to receive are on display in all our consular offices

What our consulates cannot do for you

Although we try to help British nationals in a wide range of situations, we cannot:

get you out of prison, prevent the local authorities from deporting you after your prison sentence, or interfere in criminal or civil court proceedings

help you enter a country, for example, if you do not have a visa or your passport is not valid, as we cannot interfere in another country’s immigration policy or procedures

give you legal advice, investigate crimes or carry out searches for missing people, although we can give you details of people who may be able to help you in these cases, such as English-speaking lawyers

get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people

pay any bills or give you money (in very exceptional circumstances we may lend you some money from public funds, which you will have to pay back)